rub-a-dub-dub

[aaronssps 0]

So, I've heard it's possible to wash a container in the bath tub assuming you take out everything, but what if you don't have a bathtub, only a shower, should you still hand wash it or is it possible to wash a container in the washing machine on a gentle setting using cold water? Of, course you would let air dry. If you can't wash in a washing machine, any sugestions on ways to get the piping back to a sparkly white? Thanks, Blue Skies

[riggerrob 643]

I frequently wash rigs in a shower.
It is a three part process.
The first step involves brushing raw Woolite Zero (or similar mild detergent) into the worst stains.
Then I douse it with water and let it soak for 20 minutes. A Plastic bucket helps with this stage.
Then I scrub it all (avoiding embroidery and Spandex) over a second time and leave it to soak for another 20 minutes.
Then I scrub it all over a third time.
Finally,I invert the bucket and turn on the shower. I flip it over every couple of minutes and rinse it until it no longer tastes like soap.
The final step involves hanging it - away from direct sunlight - for four days.
When it is completely dry, I assemble, inspect and repack it.

[airtwardo 7]

I flip it over every couple of minutes and rinse it until it no longer tastes like soap.

Quote

You got any operation sheets on that?

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[ltdiver 3]

Quote

I flip it over every couple of minutes and rinse it until it no longer tastes like soap.

Quote

You got any operation sheets on that?

Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon

[UDSkyJunkie 0]

Another option is to go to a self-serve car wash. I've seen my dad do it a few times with different rigs... it got his *twitch* bright yellow racer back to it's shiny new state. Just don't use the hot wax option.

More expensive than at home, but faster and still much cheaper than sending to the factory.

"Some people follow their dreams, others hunt them down and beat them mercilessly into submission."

[skybytch 273]

Quote

but faster and still much cheaper than sending to the factory.

Why would you send your rig back to the factory to get it washed?

[billvon 3,118]

>Why would you send your rig back to the factory to get it washed?

Happens sometimes as a side effect of gear repair. Manufacturers will sometimes not work on rigs unless they have been washed, and if they get a "dirty" one in they will wash it (and charge the customer, of course) before they start working on it.

[UDSkyJunkie 0]

Quote

Why would you send your rig back to the factory to get it washed?

I wouldn't! But I've seen people who are too scared of somehow damaging their rig to wash it themselves, so they send it to the factory.... or they have it done there because they're sending it in for maintenance anyway.

The car wash is also cheaper than having your rigger clean it, which I have also seen people do.

"Some people follow their dreams, others hunt them down and beat them mercilessly into submission."

[AggieDave 6]

You just need to be careful that the carwash you go to does not use grey water for the spray or you will be spray all sorts of dirt and chemicals all over your rig.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[skybytch 273]

Quote

The car wash is also cheaper than having your rigger clean it, which I have also seen people do.

It's expensive to have a rigger do it because it requires a complete disassembly and reassembly... well, that and because it's a pain in the ass.

Whether it's worth doing yourself depends on how confident you are that you're not going to screw something up when you take it apart or when you try to put it back together. If you don't know how to put it back together you're probably going to have to pay for an assembly when you get it repacked (tip - take advantage of having that done; ask your rigger to teach you how to assemble it, thus making it cheaper the next time you wash your container).

[SansSuit 1]

A large ice chest works great in lieu of a bathtub.

Peace,
-Jeff.

Peace,
-Dawson.
http://www.SansSuit.com
The Society for the Advancement of Naked Skydiving

[riggerrob 643]

Another disadvantage of car wash is that the high pressure spray may remove the urethane coating from the inside of the fabric, vastly reducing the life of the rig. Urethane was originally designed to water-proof (uproarious laughter) Cordura and Parapack, but it also helps resist fatigue, from being flexed thousands of times.

[riggerrob 643]

Another disadvantage of car wash is that the high pressure spray may remove the urethane coating from the inside of the fabric, vastly reducing the life of the rig. Urethane was originally designed to water-proof (uproarious laughter) Cordura and Parapack, but it also helps resist fatigue, from being flexed thousands of times.

[riggerrob 643]

Another disadvantage of car wash is that the high pressure spray may remove the urethane coating from the inside of the fabric, vastly reducing the life of the rig. Urethane was originally designed to water-proof (uproarious laughter) Cordura and Parapack, but it also helps resist weave separation.

[tazz 0]

sounds stupid, but take it to a car wash. use the wand it works great.

[RMURRAY 1]

Quote

You just need to be careful that the carwash you go to does not use grey water for the spray or you will be spray all sorts of dirt and chemicals all over your rig.

agreed. I cannot imagine taking to a car wash. I use the recommendations of Bill Booth on the RWS website - whatever they call themselves now. I have cut and pasted in threads like this many times....

edit: here it is again....

Washing Your Vector
Over the years we've seen some extremely dirty Vectors! We've found that many people are unsure how to get their container clean. For that reason, we have put together the following instructions on how to make your Vector smell and look good again.

The best way to wash a rig is the "good old fashion way" with slightly warm water and Woolite.
Use a big tub; let the rig stay in the soapy water 4 hrs.
Occasionally swish the rig around in the tub to loosen dirt.
Drain soapy water, fill tub with clean water, and swish rig around until the clear water becomes soapy and cloudy.
Drain tub and repeat until all soap and dirt residue are gone, usually in 3 rinses.
Let the rig naturally dry, without direct sunlight. We usually allow a small fan to blow air past it to speed up the drying process.
We do not recommend using a washing machine. Extended agitation in a washing machine could have negative effects in the long run. This also requires you to wrap the heavy hardware to minimize damage to the machine. © 2000-2003 The Uninsured Relative Workshop, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


rm